Huge Parades, Parties Welcome Mardi Gras Visitors

Carnival season is in full swing in Shreveport-Bossier, and February is packed with parades, parties and more. The Krewe of Centaur Parade will roll at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at the intersection of Lake Street and Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport and proceeding to the intersection of E. Preston and E. Kings Highway via Clyde Fant Parkway and Shreveport-Barksdale Highway. The Krewe of Gemini Parade will follow the same route and will roll at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Krewe of Highland Parade will wind its way through the historic Highland neighborhood at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.

First-Ever Louisiana Comic Con Scheduled for Feb. 21

The first-ever Louisiana Comic Con, a day-long celebration of popular culture featuring celebrity guests, comic book artists, costumed fan groups and more, will be held at the Bossier Civic Center, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. Celebrity guests range from Theodus Walker (“Big Tiny” from AMC’s The Walking Dead) to pro wrestling legend Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. Artists scheduled to attend include the illustrators of hugely popular titles like The Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man and Fangoria Magazine. A large variety of vendors selling everything from rare comics and posters to handmade clothing will be on-hand.

Tickets are now available and may be purchased online. Several partner hotels have offered special room rates for Louisiana Comic Con attendees. For more information, visit www.louisianacomiccon.com.

Abby Singer’s Bistro is a restaurant and bar located upstairs at Robinson Film Center at 617 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. Locals love the bistro for its sophisticated take on Southern fare, including Chef Ernestine “Tootie” Morrison’s shrimp and grits.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has designated 2015 a year-long celebration of unique Louisiana cuisine. Each month, “Getaways” will celebrate an outstanding local chef and their signature dish by featuring a review from 20x49.com.